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Punjab Swelters: Unprecedented March Heat!
7 Mar
Summary
- March temperatures in Punjab are 5°C above normal.
- Rising heat poses risks to maturing rabi and fruit crops.
- No immediate relief from high temperatures is expected.
Punjab is currently grappling with exceptionally high temperatures, marking a significant departure from previous years. Maximum temperatures recorded in early March have consistently surpassed those from the same period in 2025. For instance, on March 5, the temperature reached 31.8°C, a stark contrast to last year's 22°C. This warming trend continued, with temperatures frequently exceeding 30°C.
Experts attribute the unusual heat to the absence of western disturbances, which typically bring cooler weather. Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has issued an advisory, highlighting that both day and night temperatures are approximately 5°C above the seasonal norm. This prolonged period of heat is a cause for concern for farmers as their rabi crops approach maturity.
The heat stress could adversely affect crop yields and quality. PAU recommends that farmers provide light irrigation as needed to manage water stress. The advisory also cautions that hot weather can be detrimental to fruit crops and orchards, emphasizing the importance of maintaining adequate soil moisture through irrigation.
